Ultra-light cementitious compositions and related methods

ABSTRACT

An ultra-light, pourable, self-drying cementitious product with improved density control and ultra-low water demand is provided. Compositions and methods for making the products are provided as well, including compositions and methods with ultra-low water demand.

This application is a divisional patent application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/268,557, filed May 2, 2014, now issued as U.S.Pat. No. 9,975,808, the entire disclosure of which is hereinincorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention provides compositions and methods for construction ofultra-light pourable items such as doors, wall panels, garage doorpanels, wall partition systems, ceiling panels, gun safes, file cabinetsand other fire rated applications, and flooring and the like. Theinvention also relates to ultra-light cementitious compositions withimproved density control and even distribution of filling material.Methods for making such compositions are also provided. This inventionalso provides formulations which can be utilized at ultra-low waterdemands.

BACKGROUND

Various poured products including flooring, wall panels, garage doorpanels, ceiling tiles/panels and doors are used in residential andcommercial construction. The poured products are often based on Portlandcement and/or gypsum in part because it is desirable to obtain floor andwall or other assemblies which are fire and sound rated. Pourablecementitious compositions known in the art comprise powdered cementand/or gypsum based material, silica sand and/or other types of fillersand water. These materials are either bucket mixed or mechanicallymixed. The resultant slurries are poured into forms or cavities orpumped on to various substrates.

Poured products, especially flooring, have to meet certain requirementsfor compressive strength, which can be achieved with conventionalcementitious, calcium sulfate hemi-hydrate or combination compositions,but such compositions are heavy and they can take several days to setand dry. Further, it is desirable to obtain pourable products with goodsound isolation, which can be achieved by including porous fillingmaterial, also known as a filler. Fillers include expanded perlite.

However, there remains a need in the field for pourable cementitiouscompositions with improved density control so that a filling materialremains evenly distributed through the depth of a poured product whilethe product is setting. There also remains a need for pourablecementitious products which are light and also meet the compressivestrength and fire resistance requirements. In addition there remains aneed for a pourable cementitious and/or gypsum combination with lowwater demand and which dries at a faster rate than conventionalcombinations. Finally, there is a need for pourable cementitiousproducts which have a quicker turn-around time for serviceability and/oruse, including without limitation, a quicker turn-around time before thesurface can be walked upon or a mold can be removed.

SUMMARY

At least some of these needs are addressed by improved pourable,ultra-light cementitious products with even distribution of fillingmaterial and excellent fire resistance as disclosed in thisspecification. One embodiment provides an ultra-light cementitiouscomposition which includes 60% to 80% of a 50:50 combination of cementand gypsum component; 0.1% to 10% of a surfactant mixture of at leastone anionic surfactant and at least one nonionic surfactant; and water;wherein the ratio of water to dry components is in the ultra-low rangefrom 0.17 to 0.30.

One embodiment provides an ultra-light cementitious compositioncomprising 60% to 80% of a 50:50 combination of cement and gypsumcomponent; 1% to 30% of a filler selected from the group consisting ofcoated perlite, uncoated perlite, shale, borosilicate glass spheres,expanded polystyrene balls (EPS) and any combination thereof; 0.1% to10% of a surfactant mixture of at least one anionic surfactant and atleast one nonionic surfactant and water. At least in some embodiments,the surfactant mixture comprises sodium laureth sulfate, sodium laurylsulfate and alkyl dimethyl amine oxide. Ultra-light cementitiouscompositions with low water demand are provided as well. The waterdemand is defined as the total weight of the water divided by the weightof the dry components. Such compositions include those in which theratio of water to dry components is in the range from 0.17 to 0.30.

Further embodiments provide a fire-rated, ultra-light pourable productwith the compressive strength in the range from 75 to 230 psi andcomprising a cementitious core which is formulated with componentsincluding cement, calcium hemi-hydrate, a filler, an anionic/nonionicsurfactant mixture and superplasticizer. The pourable products includedoors, wall panels, garage door panels, wall partition systems, ceilingpanels, gun safes and file cabinets.

Other embodiments provide methods by which fire-resistant, ultra-lightcementitious products with controlled density are produced. At leastsome of these products are pourable and self-leveling. These productsare fast drying and are serviceable soon after they are poured.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The FIGURE depicts self-leveling flooring prepared with an ultra-lightcementitious composition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Compositions and methods are provided for construction of pourable itemssuch as doors, wall panels, garage door panels, ceiling tiles andpanels, flooring, gun safes, file cabinets and other fire ratedapplications and the like. The compositions are much lighter incomparison to regular pourable compositions made for similar use.

Many construction materials, such as for example wallboard, comprisegypsum which is comprised of calcium sulfate dihydrate and which can beproduced by setting a hydration reaction with calcium sulfatehemihydrate. Different forms of calcium sulfate hemihydrate aresuitable, including calcium sulfate hemihydrate obtained by calciningcalcium sulfate dihydrate; synthetic calcium sulfate hemihydrate,chemically modified calcium sulfate hemihydrate, calcium sulfateα-hemihydrate, calcium sulfate β-hemihydrate and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, ultra-light cementitious compositions comprise acombination of cement and a gypsum component which comprises at leastone of the following: calcium sulfate dihydrate; calcium sulfateanhydrite; calcium sulfate hemihydrate, including natural, synthetic orchemically modified calcium sulfate hemihydrate; calcium sulfateα-hemihydrate, calcium sulfate β-hemihydrate and combinations thereof.

Various types of cement can be used, including without limitation,Portland cement. Various grades of Portland cement can be used,including without limitation preferred cements such as: Class C, Type IIand Type V Portland cements (white, gray or a combination thereof).Other suitable cements may include, but are not limited to, calciumsulfo-aluminate cement, magnesium based cement, calcium aluminatecement, and mixtures thereof. At least in some embodiments, cement iscooked and/or ground cement.

At least in some embodiments, the ratio between the gypsum component andcement is 50:50. Other acceptable ratios for the gypsum component tocement include from about 15:85 to about 60:40.

At least some compositions include from 40 to 90% of the gypsumcomponent and cement. At least in some other compositions the totalpercentage of the gypsum component and cement is from 50 to 80%. Atleast in some compositions the total percentage of the gypsum componentand cement is at about 75%. At least in some embodiments, an ultra-lightself-drying composition can be prepared with a combination of white andgray cement and calcium sulfate hem i-hydrate.

An ultra-light self-drying composition can be prepared with acombination of white and gray cement and calcium sulfate hem i-hydrateat a ratio of calcium sulfate hem i-hydrate to cement of 75% to 25%respectively, and wherein the 25% is up to ½ of white and gray cement.The term “self-drying” includes compositions which absorb water suchthat there is no need for water to evaporate when compositions arepoured and solidifying. These compositions with gray and white cementsare preferred because they create a self-drying ultra-low water materialwhich has unexpectedly controlled expansion, extremely high strength andcontrollable setting action while being self-leveling. In furtherembodiments, a composition can be further mixed with a filler such as,but not limited to, perlite and the resultant material unexpectedly hasexpansions similar to the original composition and remains self-drying,while exhibiting much lower controllable density. A variety of productscan be obtained from a composition comprising calcium sulfatehemi-hydrate and white and grey cement, including doors, wall panels,garage door panels, wall partition systems, ceiling panels, gun safesand file cabinets and self-drying flooring with self-levelingtendencies.

An ultra-light cementitious composition may include at least one type offilling material or a filler. Such fillers include, but are not limitedto, expanded coated and uncoated perlite, shale (light weight clay),borosilicate glass spheres, light weight fly ash and expandedpolystyrene balls (EPS balls). The amount of a filler may vary dependingon the physical characteristics to be achieved in the final pourableproduct. In at least some embodiments, from 1% to 5% of a filler isused. In other embodiments from 1% to 15% of a filler is used. In someembodiments from 1% to 25% of a filler is used. In some embodiments from15% to 30% of a filler is used. In some embodiments from 1% to 30% of afiller is used.

In some embodiments, a pourable ultra-light cementitious composition mayinclude a superplasticizer, which permits reducing the amount of waterneeded for preparing a pourable slurry from an ultra-light cementitiouscomposition. Suitable superplasticizers include, but are not limited to,sulphonated naphthalene aldehyde condensates, sulphonated melamineformaldehyde condensates, lignosulfonates and polycarboxylic compoundssuch as polyacrylates. At least in some embodiments, a superplasticizeris a polycarboxylic ether. Suitable superplasticizers include ADVA Castby Grace Construction Products, Cambridge, Mass., DILOFLO GWSuperplasticizer of Geo Specialty Chemicals, Cedartown, Ga. and variousmodified polycarboxylic ether superplasticizers such as for example,MELFLUX superplasticizers from BASF Construction Polymers GmbH, Germany.

At least in some embodiments, an ultra-light cementitious compositionalso includes a surfactant which can be selected from anionic,non-ionic, cationic, amphoteric surfactants and mixtures thereof.Suitable anionic surfactants include, but are not limited to, sulfonateor sulfate surfactants such as for example an alkyl sulfonate, an alkylether sulfonate, a hydroxyalkyl ether sulfonate, an alpha olefinsulfonate, an alkyl benzenesulfonate, an alkyl sulphate, an alkyl ethersulphate, a hydroxyalkyl ether sulphate, an alpha olefin sulphate and analkyl benzenesulphate, an alcohol ethoxysulfate, an alcohol sulfate or amixture thereof. Particularly suitable anionic surfactants includesodium laureth sulfate and sodium lauryl sulfate and a mixture thereof.Suitable non-ionic surfactants include, but are not limited to, variousamine oxides and particularly amine oxides with a long-chain alkyl. Suchlong-chain alkyl groups include those with 10 to 18 carbon atoms. Aparticularly suitable amine oxide includes alkyl dimethyl amine oxidewith 10-16 carbon atoms.

Unexpectedly, the inventors have discovered that a mixture of at leastone anionic surfactant with at least one nonionic surfactant provides asignificant improvement in density control of a resulting ultra-lightcementitious composition. A particularly preferred mixture ofsurfactants includes a mixture of sodium laureth sulfate, sodium laurylsulfate and alkyl dimethyl amine oxide. The ratios between differentsurfactants may vary depending on the density that needs to be achievedin the resulting ultra-light cementitious composition.

In some embodiments, an anionic/nonionic mixture suitable for preparingan ultra-light cementitious composition includes surfactant mixturesdescribed in Table 1.

TABLE 1 Suitable Preferred Component Range Range Ethyl Alcohol 0.1-1%1-5% Alcohol Ethoxysulfate, sodium salt 10-30%  10-30%  (Sodium LaurethSulfate) Alcohol Sulfate, sodium salt (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) Amines,C10-16, alkyldimethyl, N-  1-5% 3-7% oxides (Alkyl Dimethyl Amine Oxide)Water and/or other suitable solvents Up Up to 100% to 100%

Table 1 includes various anionic/nonionic surfactant mixtures, includingmixtures commercially available under the trade name DAWN, includingDAWN as shown in column “Suitable Range.” Table 1 also includes amixture available under the trade name DAWN-ULTRA, including DAWN-ULTRAand as shown in column “Preferred Range” of Table 1.

In some embodiments, an ultra-light cementitious composition comprisesfrom 0.1 to 10% of a surfactant mixture of Table 1. In some embodiments,an ultra-light cementitious composition comprises from 0.1 to 5% of asurfactant mixture of Table 1. At least in some embodiments, anultra-light cementitious composition comprises from 0.5 to 2% of asurfactant mixture of Table 1.

The inventors have discovered that a surfactant mixture of at least oneanionic surfactant with at least one nonionic surfactant, including amixture according to Table 1, provides a foamed matrix in an ultra-lightcementitious composition. Unexpectedly, the foamed matrix keeps anultra-light cementitious composition homogenous with filler particlesevenly distributed in the foamed matrix. Further, it was alsounexpectedly discovered that the use of an anionic/nonionic surfactantmixture prevents movement of filler particles in the foamed matrix afterthe composition is poured and is setting. Therefore, the quality of aresulting poured product is improved as shifting of filler particlesduring setting is minimized and even distribution is maintained.Furthermore, it was unexpected that a mixture made utilizing the liquidmix from TABLE 1 produced a hardened matrix which contains ultralowamounts of unconsumed water after hydration.

An ultra-light cementitious composition may include set controladditives such as those that either accelerate or retard a setting timeof an ultra-light cementitious composition. One or more set controllingadditives may be added to an ultra-light cementitious composition.Suitable set control additives may include, but are not limited to,organic compounds such as hydroxylated carboxylic acids and sugars.Organic acids such as citric acid, tartaric acid, malic acid, gluconicacid, succinic acid, glycolic acid, malonic acid, butyric acid, malicacid, fumaric acid, formic acid, glutamic acid, pentanoic acid, glutaricacid, gluconic acid, tartronic acid, mucic acid, trihydroxy benzoicacid, etc. may also be useful. Salts of organic acids such as sodiumcitrate, potassium citrate, sodium tartrate, potassium tartrate, sodiumgluconate may also be used as set control agents in some embodiments.Inorganic acid based set control agents of the type boric acid andsuitable salts thereof (borates) may also be suitable for someembodiments.

Other optional set control chemicals include sodium carbonate, potassiumcarbonate, calcium nitrate, calcium nitrite, calcium formate, calciumacetate, calcium chloride, lithium carbonate, lithium nitrate, lithiumnitrite, aluminum sulfate, potassium sulfate, sodium aluminate,alkanolamines, and polyphosphates.

Particularly suitable set accelerators include calcium sulfate dihydratealso known as Calcium Sulfate Accelerator (CSA) and Heat ResistantAccelerators (HRA) disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,718,019, incorporatedherein as a whole by reference.

In some embodiments, a hydration inhibitor can be added. Suitablehydration inhibitors include a hydration inhibitor comprisingpentasodium di-ethylene-triamine-penta-acetate. At least in someembodiments pentasodium di-ethylene-triamine-penta-acetate can be usedin combination with sodium glycolate, sodium hydroxide and trisodiumnitrilotriacetate. Suitable hydration inhibitors include a formulationwith pentasodium di-ethylene-triamine-penta-acetate available under thetrade name NO-GO Hydration (United States Gypsum Company, Chicago,Ill.), the use of which in gypsum slurries was disclosed in U.S. Pat.No. 8,343,273 incorporated herein by reference as a whole. A hydrationretarder can be used in different amounts. At least in some embodiments,it is used in the range from 0.1 to 5%.

At least in some embodiments, an ultra-light cementitious compositionmay further comprise fibers. Such fibers may include organic fibers,inorganic fibers and a combination thereof. Suitable fibers may includefiberglass fibers, acrylic fibers, cellulose fiber and polypropylenefibers or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, an ultra-light cementitious composition comprisesdry and liquid components. Dry components can be premixed and stored onthe shelf as a dry powder composition until this composition istransported to a work site where the composition is mixed with water andother liquid components. A pourable mix of the types described is usefulfor applications where light weight, faster than normal drying andcontrollable expansion are desired with controllable working and settingtimes. The mixes have uniquely high strengths at the various densitieswhile they are wet as well as fully dried. The early strengths allowfaster turnover and/or serviceability depending on the designedapplication.

Table 2 provides a dry powder composition suitable in variousembodiments for an ultra-light cementitious composition.

TABLE 2 Component % Range by Weight Cement Used in the 50:50 ratio,Calcium Sulfate Hemi-hydrate with the sum total for both components60-80% Superplasticizer 0.25-0.60% Filler     1-5% Fibers 0.025-0.050% Hydration Reaction Accelerator 0.01-0.03% Hydration Reaction Retarder0.25-0.75%

In some embodiments, a dry powder composition can be formulated asprovided in Table 3.

TABLE 3 Component % Range by Weight Cement Used in the 50:50 ratioCalcium Sulfate Hemi-hydrate with the sum total for both components of60-80% Polycarboxylate Superplasticizer 0.25-0.60% EPS balls     1-5%Polypropylene Fibers 0.025-0.050%  Hydration Reaction Accelerator0.01-0.03% Hydration Reaction Retarder 0.25-0.75%

In some embodiments, a dry powder composition can be formulated asprovided in Table 3A.

TABLE 3A Component % Range by Weight Cement Used in the 50:50 ratio withthe Calcium Sulfate Hemi-hydrate sum total for both components of 60-80%Polycarboxylate superplasticizer 0.25-0.60% Expanded Perlite   1-20%Polypropylene Fibers 0.025-0.050%  Hydration Reaction Accelerator0.01-0.03% Hydration Reaction Retarder 0.25-0.75%

In some embodiments, a dry powder composition can be formulated asprovided in Table 3B.

TABLE 3B Component % Range by Weight Cement Used in the 50:50 ratio withthe Calcium Sulfate Hemi-hydrate sum total for both components of 60-80%Polycarboxylate superplasticizer 0.25-0.60% Treated Perlite   1-20% EPSBalls     1-5% Polypropylene Fibers 0.025-0.050%  Hydration ReactionAccelerator 0.01-0.03% Hydration Reaction Retarder 0.25-0.75%

A composition that comprises liquid components for an ultra-lightcementitious composition can be prepared either directly at a work siteor it can be prepared in advance and transported to a work site asneeded.

Table 4 provides a liquid composition which is suitable for use with adry powder composition of Tables 2, 3, 3A and 3B as well as in otherembodiments with light-weight fillers including, but not limited to,those in which EPS balls, expanded perlite, (treated or untreated)and/or a combination of the same are used. The treated perlite isgenerally coated with a siloxane or similar type coating to make ithydrophobic in nature so as not to absorb water from the mix.

TABLE 4 Component By Weight Parts Water 4-6 Anionic/Nonionic Surfactant 0.1-0.25 mixture of Table 1 NoGo Hydration Inhibitor 0.1-0.5

At least in some embodiments, an ultra-light cementitious compositioncomprises a 50:50 mixture of cement and calcium hem i-hydrate, a fillerand an anionic/nonionic surfactant mixture. In further embodiments, thecomposition further comprises at least one of the following: asuperplasticizer, fibers, a set accelerator, a set retarder and ahydration inhibitor. At least in some embodiments, a filler is EPSballs, expanded perlite, treated or untreated perlite and/or acombination and an anionic/nonionic surfactant mixture is a mixture asdefined in Table 1. At least in some embodiments, a surfactant mixtureis DAWN. At least in some preferred embodiments, a surfactant mixture isDAWN ULTRA. At least in some embodiments, a superplasticizer is apolycarboxylate.

At least in some embodiments, an ultra-light cementitious compositionmay comprise components as provided in Table 5.

TABLE 5 Component % By Weight Cement/Calcium Sulfate Hemi- 60-80% hydrate 50:50 mixture Filler  1-25% Anionic/Nonionic Surfactant 0.1-5%Mixture Superplasticizer 0.1-1% Other components in various Up to 100%amounts

Other components may include at least one of the following: fibers, suchas for example polypropylene fibers; a hydration inhibitor, such as forexample NoGo hydration inhibitor; water, a set inhibitor, such as forexample Sodate; and a set accelerator, such as for example HRA or CSAaccelerator.

Unexpectedly, an ultra-light cementitious composition comprising thecomponents of Table 5 was fast setting and exhibited excellentcompressive strength between 20 to 30 psi when measured 1-3 hours postsetting. Compressive strength can be measured with a compressivestrength machine which subjects a sample to compressive pressure untilthe sample breaks. Compressive strength is then calculated based on theamount of pressure to be applied until the sample breaks.

The composition also exhibited excellent compressive strength of 75-230psi after it dried completely. Also unexpectedly, the compositionachieved even distribution of filler particles and the particles did notshift significantly in the cementitious matrix during setting. Thus, thewet density was 20-40 pounds per square foot and the dry density was18-38 pounds per square foot. These and other unexpected propertiesachieved with an ultra-light cementitious composition are furtherdescribed in Table 6.

TABLE 6 WET DENSITY: lbs/FT³ 20-40 lbs/ft³ DRY DENSITY: lbs/FT³ 18-38lbs/ft³ SLUMP 2″ × 4″: inches 3-7″ 50 g Lime Vicat set: min 20-50 min300 g Vicat Set: min 30-90 min 1-3 hour compressive strength: psi 10-30psi Dry Compressive Strength: psi 10-100 psi

Various methods can be used to prepare an ultra-light cementitiouscomposition. For example, all dry components can be preblended andprovided in a package. Alternatively, all components including asurfactant mixture and water can be provided in the same mixture. Atleast in some embodiments, a bucket mixing with a drill and a rubberdisk can be used. In this method, a rubber disk is used to form foam bymixing water with an anionic/non-ionic surfactant mixture. After thefoam is generated, other components such as cement and calcium sulfatehemi-hydrate are added, and the mixture is blended together in a mixeruntil the resulting slurry is smooth and creamy. A filler, such as forexample EPS balls, is then added to the slurry and mixed.

Various poured products such as doors, garage door panels, wallpartition systems, ceiling panels, gun safes, file cabinets and otherfire rated applications can be prepared with an ultra-light cementitiouscomposition. Such products as doors, partitions and panels can beprepared at a manufacturing facility and then shipped to a constructionsite. At least in some embodiments, poured products, such as for exampleflooring and wall partitions can be poured directly at a buildingconstruction site.

At least in some methods, a poured product is obtained by pouring anultra-light cementitious composition onto a substrate. Such substratemay include at least one mat on top of which an ultra-light cementitiouscomposition is poured. In some embodiments, a pourable product isobtained by pouring an ultra-light cementitious composition onto onepiece of a substrate and then covering the poured composition withanother piece of a substrate. Various substrates can be used, includingwithout limitation, paper, wood, plywood, oriented strand board (osb),glass fiber mats, plastic mats and metal plates.

In other embodiments, an ultra-light cementitious composition can bepoured into a cast or mold or frame. This method is suitable for examplefor preparing wall partitions. A cast can be made of wood, plywood,plastic, metal and any other material commonly used in construction. Acast can be removed after the composition sets. In other embodiments, acast can be designed such that it stays as a part of a finished pouredproduct.

In some embodiments, an ultra-light cementitious composition can be usedas a self-drying deep fill material which can be poured or pumped as aflooring composition onto a substrate. As shown in the FIGURE, at leastin some embodiments self-leveling flooring (generally, 10) is created bypreparing an ultra-light composition as described in this applicationand pumped or poured onto a substrate (12). This creates a firstcementitious layer (14) which is up to about 5 to 6 inches in thickness.A second cementitious composition with higher compressive strength canthen be prepared and poured over the first layer (14) and creates asecond layer or capper (16) which is about 1 to 3.8 inches in thickness.

In some embodiments the first layer (14) and the second layer (16) areboth prepared from ultra-light compositions. In other embodiments, onlythe first layer (14) is made with an ultra-light cementitiouscomposition.

Further embodiments provide ultra-light cementitious compositions andmethods in which slurries are prepared with a very low amount of wateror in other words with low water demand. The water demand is defined asthe total weight of the water divided by the weight of the drycomponents. Such ultra-light cementitious compositions include those inwhich the ratio of water to dry components is in the range from 0.17 to0.30. These ultra-light cementitious compositions are advantageous overconventional compositions in which the ratio of water to dry componentscan be 0.40 to 1.0 before a smooth and workable slurry can be achieved.

The unexpected super self-leveling nature of an ultra-light cementitiouscomposition at the ultra low consistency with the positive expansionlends the formulation for use as a material without other additiveswhich is useful for self leveling flooring and solid castings where highstrength is needed. This formulation can be poured in a uniquely thinribbon into very small openings and self levels without the aid ofconventional smoothing or vibrating devices.

The uniqueness of the ultra-low water demand provides the ability of theblend to be mixed uniquely with light weight materials and/or foamproviding for a final hardened matrix which does not contain or containsminimal excess water. Therefore, there is no need to dry this water byheat or force it out by mechanical means. This allows for higher earlystrengths of the resulting product and the ability for the product to beserviceable much earlier than conventional formulations. The combinationof the viscosity control aides and the described levels of water providefor unique ability to control the light weight additives such that theyare uniform within the resultant cast (pumped or poured) material.

The invention will be further explained by the way of the followingnon-limiting examples.

Example 1 Pourable Ultra-Light Cementitious Composition

The following dry components were mixed together in proportions providedin Table 7 below.

TABLE 7 % By Component Weight By Weight (lbs) Cement: Class C, Type IIor 48.78% 10 Type V Portland Cements HYDROCAL ® C-Base Calcium 48.78% 10Alpha Hemi-hydrate Inhibitor: (Sodate) 0.48% 0-0.2 (typical 0.1) PCE:(Melflux 2641F. 1641F 0.37% 0.25-0.15 and/or 6681) 0.26 (typical0.27-0.075) Light Weight Filler: EPS Balls 1.61% 3.0-5.0 gal (150-300 g)(0.33-0.66) HRA or CSA accelerator 0.012% 0-0.005 (typical 0.0025)Polypropylene Fibers 0.039% (7-21 g) 0.0008-0.0024 TYPICAL TOTAL:100.07% 20.50 pounds

The following liquid components were mixed together in the ratiosprovided below:

TABLE 8 Component By Weight Water 4.0-6.0 lbs Dawn Blue (typicallyUltra) 0-0.25 lbs (Typically 0.1 lbs) NoGo Hydration Inhibitor 0-0.5ounces

An ultra-light cementitious composition was obtained by preblendingcement, calcium alpha hem i-hydrate, sodate, PCE, and HRA or CSAaccelerator. In an alternative embodiment, all dry components, includingEPS balls and polypropylene fibers were preblended. In anotherembodiment, all the dry components including expanded perlite andpolypropylene fibers are preblended.

Water was measured out to the nearest 0.1 pounds in the appropriatesized mixing vessel. For the 20.5 lbs mix, a 6 gallon pail was used.DAWN BLUE surfactant, NOGO hydration inhibitor, and polypropylene fiberswere weighed and added to the water and mixed with a spatula or bymechanical mixing (lightly).

A drill (rpm 1000-1750) was used with a rubber disk, approximately ⅓ to½ the diameter as the mixing vessel. The drill was engaged and the mixwas started near the bottom and moving upward slowly to develop thefoam. The mix was approximately ½ to ⅔ of the volume of the mixingvessel at this point. Approximately 30-45 seconds of mixing was needed.

The preblended dry mixture of cement, calcium alpha hem i-hydrate, PCE,HRA (or CSA) and sodate was then added to the mixer. After approximately1 minute, the mixture was smooth and creamy.

The EPS balls were added in 1 gallon or ½ gallon increments until thedesired density was achieved. In between additions, the slurry was mixedto properly incorporate the EPS balls. Unexpectedly, it was observedthat the foam, in conjunction with the controlled viscosity of the mixat ultra low water, stabilized the EPS balls while the foam was stablein the presence of the PCE.

For the 6 gallon pail, the density was in the range of 25-35 lbs/cubicfoot typically when the pail mix volume was 1″ or less from the top.

After the final mixing and incorporation, the mix was ready for pouringpanels, floor samples and/or door core but not limited to the same.

The final composition of the slurry was as shown in Table 9 below:

TABLE 9 % By Component Weight % By Weight 1. Cement: Class C, Type II or 8.3% 3 10 lbs Type V Portland Cements for example 2. Gypsum:(HYDROCAL ®  8.3% 3 10 lbs C-Base for example) 3. Inhibitor: 0.38% 00-0.2 lbs (typical (Sodate for example) 0.1 lbs) 4. PCE: (Melflux 2641F.0.29% 0 0.15 lbs (typical 1641F and/or 6681 0.075 lbs) for example) 5.Light Weight Filler: EPS 0.26% 1 3.0-5.0 gal (150-300 Balls form exampleg) (0.33-0.66 lbs) 6. HRA or CSA accelerator 0.01% 0-0.005 lbs (typical0.0025 lbs) 7. Polypropylene Fibers 0.03% (7-21 g) 0.0008- 0.0024 lbsWater  21% 4.0-6.0 lbs (5.5 lbs) Dawn Blue (typically Ultra) 0.38%0-0.25 lbs (Typically 0.1 lbs) NoGo Hydration Inhibitor 0 0-0.5 ounces(0) TYPICAL TOTAL: 99.95%  26.1 pounds

Alternatively, ingredients can be blended by mechanical mixing with aSTRONG MANUFACTURING Super 80 but not limited to the same. In thismethod, water is measured and added to a mixing chamber with the mixerturning. Optionally, NOGO hydration inhibitor can be added to the waterin order to extend working time. The dry materials are added to themixer while the mixing blade assembly is engaged and rotating. The foamis either mechanically generated or can be generated with a disk inbucket. In alternative, the foam could be effectively injected into thepumping line prior to exit of hose.

This method provides a very uniform density, faster productivity withthe following physical properties observed.

TABLE 9A WET DENSITY: lbs/FT³ 20-40 lbs/ft³ DRY DENSITY: lbs/FT³ 18-38lbs/ft³ SLUMP 2″ × 4″: inches 3-7″ Dry Compressive Strength: psi 70-230psi

Example 2 Physical Properties of a Pourable Ultra-Light CementitiousComposition

An ultra-light cementitious composition was prepared as described inExample 1 and it was allowed to set. Surprisingly, the compositionprovided excellent compressive strength after it completely dried.Further and also unexpectedly, the dry density of the composition didnot change significantly during setting, which was indicative of evendistribution of EPS balls and very minimal shifting of the EPS balls aswell as the unexpected low evaporation. See Table 6.

Example 3 Comparative Physical Properties of Pourable Ultra-LightCementitious Compositions

A composition with a 50:50 ratio of cement and calcium hem i-hydrate wasprepared as provided in Table 10 below.

TABLE 10 Ultra Light Cementitious Dry Blend Additives Amount Calciumsulfate 2000 lbs alpha hemi-hydrate Cement (Class “C” Cement) raw 2000lbs Accelerator (CSA) 0.5 lbs Plasticizer (Melflux 1641) 15 lbs Retarder( Sodate) 20 lbs TOTAL 4030.5 lbs

The mixture was then mixed with water at ratios of 0.17 to 0.30 water todry blend ratio. A pourable slurry was then allowed to set and wasexamined for its compressive strength and other physical properties. Ascan be seen from Table 11, at the lowest consistency ranges the pourableslurry had water demands lower than theoretical or stoichiometric ofeither alpha calcium sulfate hemi-hydrate or cement or any combinationthereof.

TABLE 11 Physical Characteristics of Dry Blend When Mixed at Ultra LowWater Demand (18 cc). Normal Consistency (cc) 18   Patty Diameter (in)  4.44″ Hobart Vicat Set (min) 24   Wet Density (lbs/ftlbs) Average139.22 One hour Wet Density (lbs/ft3) Average 137.89 One HourCompressive Strengths (psi) 4975    Dry Density (lbs/ft³) 131.98 DryCompressive Strengths (lbs/ft³) >14,250*    *Cubes would not break atthe maximum capacity of the strength testing unit. Testing halted at14,250 psi.

Alternatively, an ultra-light cementitious dry blend can be prepared asprovided in Table 11A.

TABLE 11A Alternative Ultra-Light Cementitious Dry Blend AdditivesAmount Calcium sulfate 2000 lbs alpha hemi-hydrate Cement (Class “C”Cement) raw 2000 lbs Accelerator (CSA) 0.5 lbs Plasticizer (Melflux2641) 15 lbs Retarder (Sodate) 15 lbs TOTAL 4030.5 lbs

The mixture was then mixed with water at ratios of 0.17 to 0.30 water todry blend ratio. A pourable slurry was then allowed to set and wasexamined for its compressive strength and other physical properties. Atthe lowest consistency ranges the pourable slurry had water demandslower than theoretical or stoichiometric of either alpha calcium sulfatehemi-hydrate or cement or any combination thereof.

TABLE 11B Physical Characteristics of Dry Blend from Table 11A WhenMixed at Ultra Low Water Demand (17cc) Normal Consistency (cc) 17  Patty Diameter (in)    4.625″ Hobart Vicat Set (min) 14   Wet Density(lbs/ftlbs) Average 139.68 One hour Wet Density (lbs/ft3) Average 138.54One Hour Compressive Strengths (psi) 4875    Dry Density (lbs/ft³)134.15 Dry Compressive Strengths (lbs/ft³) >14,250*    *Cubes would notbreak at the maximum capacity of the strength testing unit. Testinghalted at 14,250 psi.

The hardened mix exhibited an unexpected positive expansion starting at0.013% in 1 hour after set to a maximum of 0.022% and a 24 hr expansionmaintained at 0.05%.

The uniqueness of the ultra-low water demand is the ability of thedescribed above dry blends to be mixed uniquely with light weightmaterials and/or foam providing for a final hardened matrix which canhave the potential with some designs to not contain excess water whichmust traditionally be dried out by heat or forced out by mechanicalmeans. This allows for higher early strengths of the material and theability for the product to be serviceable much more quickly thanconventional formulations.

An ultra-light composition with a dry surfactant preblend mixture wasprepared as shown below:

HYDROCAL B-Base (calcium sulfate hemi-hydrate) 108 lbs Rhodacal BX-78(surfactant) 27 lbs Calsoft F-90 (surfactant) 53.5 lbs DAXAD 19(sulfonated Napthalene) 13.5 lbs TOTAL: 202 lbsThis surfactant dry pre-mix was used in conjunction with the dry mixformula from Table 7 in the proportion of 400 g: 1.82 g surfactant drypre-mix respectively and sifted into 96 g (ml) of water. The mix wasfoamed up utilizing a Hamilton Beach Mixer model # HMD200 at 13,000 to14,000 rmp (speed 2) for one minute then another minute at 18,500 rmp(speed 3) with a 1.5 inch rubber disk.

The mixture was allowed to set and its physical properties were asfollows:

TABLE 12 Physical Characteristics of the Mix: Water Usage: (g) 96 WaterDemand used: 0.24 Water to Powder Ratio Wet Weight: (g) 461.45 WetDensity: (lbs/ft³) 102.76 50 Lime Vicat Set: (min) 33 300 g Vicat Set:(min) 56

Alternately, utilizing the same mix design with an increase in thesurfactant premix made to 3.64 g, when the speed of the mixing ismodified so that the high speed only of 17500-18000 rpm is used with the1½″ rubber disk for 3 minutes only, all else being done the same theresults are as follows:

TABLE 13 Physical Characteristics of the Mix: (modified mix speed andtime) Water Usage: (g) 96 Water Demand used: 0.24 Water to Powder RatioWet Weight: (g) 284.95 Wet Density: (lbs/ft³) 61.91 50 Lime Vicat Set:(min) 37 300 g Vicat Set: (min) 58

The vicat sets were unexpectedly not changed significantly although thedensities were dramatically reduced, still at a water demand expected toself consume its moisture.

This method demonstrates the usefulness of formulations containing a drysurfactant pre-mix blend, which would not necessarily require thepre-generation of foam for a useful ultra light composition. The methodalso employs the use of the sodate retarder, but could include acombination of inhibitor technologies depending on the need of theinvention. This method demonstrated the usefulness of the high molecularweight Melflux 1641, polycarboxlyate ether technology, but not limitedto the same. A liquid PCE is useful for ultra-light cementitiouscompositions as well.

In some embodiments, the same mixing method can be used with a liquidDAWN ULTRA surfactant in place of the dry surfactant premix as describedin detail below.

In the mixing method, the following steps are performed:

-   -   1. DAWN ULTRA surfactant is added to water and stirred to blend        lightly    -   2. Sift in the dry ingredients and allow them to soak for 1        minute    -   3. Mix on the Hamilton Beach Malt Mixer at speed 2 (medium        speed) 2 minute    -   4. Mix on the Hamilton Beach Malt Mixer at Speed 3 (high speed)        1 minute    -   5. Pour the resultant slurry in the density cup for wet density    -   6. Pour some of the slurry in a waxed cup for vicat set testing

TABLE 14 Use of liquid surfactant (Dawn Ultra) for density control WaterUsage: (g) 96 Water Demand used: 0.24 Water to Powder Ratio Dawn Ultra:(g) 2 Wet Weight: (g) 383 Wet Density: (lbs/ft³) 84.62 50 Lime VicatSet: (min) 37 300 g Vicat Set: (min) 58

The density of the mix and changing of the surfactant to a liquid didnot alter the setting action significantly. The water usage maintainedwith the parameters for a self-consuming water or self-drying technologyfor light-weight panel production.

In the following embodiment EPS balls were added. The mixing method wasperformed as follows.

-   -   1. Weigh the water to the nearest 0.1 g in a malt cup    -   2. Weigh out the Dawn Ultra (2 g) to the nearest 0.1 g    -   3. Add the Dawn Ultra to the water and stir to blend lightly    -   4. Add 5 grams of EPS balls to the weigh pan and blend into the        400 grams of dry ultra light weight blend.    -   5. Sift in the dry ingredients and allow them to soak for 1        minute    -   6. Mix on the Hamilton Beach Malt Mixer at speed 2 (medium        speed) 2 minute    -   7. Pour the resultant slurry in the density cup for wet density    -   8. Pour some of the slurry in a waxed cup for vicat set testing    -   9. Pour slurry into 2″×2″ brass cube molds for additional        density and compressive strength testing.

The use of the EPS (STYROFOAM) balls in the mixture dramaticallyimproved the density of the mixture without substantial impact on thesetting action of the matrix.

TABLE 15 Use of liquid surfactant (Dawn Ultra) for density control WaterUsage: (g) 96 Water Demand used: 0.24 Water to Powder Ratio Dawn Ultra:(g) 2 EPS balls: (g) 5 Wet Weight: (g) 209.60 Wet Density: (lbs/ft³)44.55 50 Lime Vicat Set: (min) 37 300 g Vicat Set: (min) 57

Uniquely, the density of this pourable ultra light weight slurry wassimilar to foamable plaster. However, the foamable plaster requires amuch higher amount of water to achieve a similar density. Specifically,while a water to powder ratio for the pourable ultra light weight slurrywas 0.24 as shown in Table 15, a water to powder ratio for the foamableplaster was 1.0. The parameters for this type of formula also utilized asimilar method of mixing on the malt mixer with the rubber disk at anRPM on low speed of approximately 13000-14000 rpm.

This type of mixture could prove useful for the casting of non-ferrousmetals as an alternative use with much higher green strengths thantypical slurries of this density in the wet state. Table 16 disclosesphysical characteristics of foamed dry blend when EPS and DAWN ULTRA areused together with mechanical foaming.

TABLE 16 1 hour Wet Wet Water To Density Density 1 Hour Power (lbs/ft³)(lbs/ft³) Compressive Ratio: Average Average Strengths (psi) 0.245*42.56-45.3 39.94-42.47 350-385 *Note: assuming the liquid Dawn Ultracontains water as its greatest ingredient, the maximum impact on waterto powder ratio could be 0.05.

The key factors in the formulation are the use of the air from the foamcreated to stabilize the EPS balls at an ultra low water demand, whilemaintaining set control and with compressive strengths greater than orequal to 350 psi 1 hour after vicat set, meaning the cast panel or flooror partition panel would be able to be serviceable early with respect tothe intended use.

Example 4 An Ultra-Light Composition with Borosilicate Glass Bubbles (3M37HS)

The following composition was prepared with Borosilicate glass bubbles.

TABLE 17 Component % By Weight % By Weight 1. Cement: Class C, Type IIor Type  8.3% 3 10 lbs V Portland Cements for example 2. Gypsum:(HYDROCAL ® C-Base  8.3% 3 10 lbs for example) 3. Inhibitor: (Sodate forexample) 0.38% 0 0-0.2 lbs (typical 0.1 lbs) 4. PCE: (Melflux 2641F.1641F 0.29% 0 0.15 lbs (typical and/or 6681 for example) 0.075 lbs) 5.Light Weight Filler: 0.26% 1 3.0-5.0 gal (150-300 g) BOROSILICATEBUBBLES (3M (0.33-0.66 lbs) 37HS for example) 6. HRA or CSA accelerator0.01% 0-0.005 lbs (typical 0.0025 lbs) 7. Polypropylene Fibers 0.03%(7-21 g) −0.0008-0.0024 lbs Water  21% 4.0-6.0 lbs (5.5 lbs) Dawn Blue(typically Ultra) 0-0.38%  0-0.25 lbs (typically 0.1 lbs) NoGo HydrationInhibitor 0 0-0.5 ounces (0) TYPICAL TOTAL: 99.95%  26.1 pounds

Physical properties of the resulting slurry are shown in Table 18 below.

TABLE 18 Dry Blend: (g) 1000 Water Usage: (g) 520-600 Water Demand used:0.416-0.48  Water to Powder Ratio Borosilicate glass bubbles: (g) 250Dawn Ultra: (g) 0 Wet Density: (lbs/ft³) 58.45-65.59 Dry Density:(lbs/ft³) 45.49-47.60 1 hour Compressive Strength: (psi) 133-185 DryCompressive Strength: (psi) 1092-1200 % expansion: 1 hour after set0.01% % expansion: 24 hour after set 0.002% Hobart Mix: 300 g Vicat Set:(min) 58

Unexpectedly, the higher water demand resulted in higher strengths ofthe wet hardened and dry hardened material. Further, when a filler isremoved completely and the described foam is used with the dry blend atthe ultra low water demand to control the density, the resultant slurryis a controllable, higher density mix with considerably higher strengththan expected. The formula lends itself more resistance to heat whileproviding a material suitable for a wide variety of applicationsincluding, but not limited to, light weight deep self dry flooring, gunand safe filler materials as well as pourable wall panels and relatedassemblies. As a pourable light weight flooring material, it lendsitself to controllable working times with the use of inhibitors, andhigh enough strengths to be serviceable as is or as a deep fill productwhich can be later capped with a higher compressive strength material.

The following ultra-light cementitious composition was prepared as shownin table 19.

TABLE 19 % By Component Weight By Weight 1. Cement: Class C, Type II or 8.3% 10 lbs Type V Portland Cements for example 2. Gypsum: (HYDROCAL ® 8.3% 10 lbs C-Base for example) 3. Inhibitor: 0.38% 0-0.2 lbs (typical(Sodate for example) 0.1 lbs) 4. PCE: (Melflux 2641F. 0.29% 0.15 lbs(typical 1641F and/or 6681 0.075 lbs) for example) 6. HRA or CSAaccelerator 0.01% 0-0.005 lbs (typical 0.0025 lbs) 7. PolypropyleneFibers 0.03% (7-21 g) −0.0008-0.0024 lbs Water  21% 4.0-6.0 lbs (5.5lbs) Dawn Blue (typically Ultra) 0-0.38%  0-0.25 lbs (Typically 0.1 lbs)NoGo Hydration Inhibitor 0 0-0.5 ounces (0) TYPICAL TOTAL: 99.95%  26.1poundsThe mixture of table 19 was prepared by the Hamilton Beach Mixer methodat 18,550 rpm for 3 minutes. The following physical properties wereachieved and shown in Table 20 below:

TABLE 20 Dry Blend: (g) 400 Water Usage: (g) 96 Water Demand used: 0.245Water to Powder Ratio Dawn Ultra: (g) 2 Wet Density: (lbs/ft³)71.96-78.22 50 g Lime Vicat Set: (min) 25-41 300 g Vicat set: (min)57-74 Slump 2″ × 4″ (in)   6-6.38 Dry Density: (lbs/ft³) 67.48-73.40 DryCompressive Strength: (psi) 1425-1800Alternatively, when using the high volume self-contained SUPER 80 orsimilar mixing and pumping unit, the results of a foamed slurry atultra-low water demand were as follows:

TABLE 21 Dry Blend: (lbs) 150  Water Usage: (lbs) 33 Water Demand used:0.22 (3.95 to 4.0 Water to Powder Ratio gallons) NOGO HydrationInhibitor: (oz) 10 Foam Density: 3 lbs/ft³ Foam Generated Liquid mixTable 1 Wet Density: (lbs/ft³) 62.34-65.33 Dry Density: (lbs/ft³)60.02-62.84 Dry Compressive Strength: (psi) 1425-1800At ultra low water demand, the slurry from the mix was unexpectedly veryeasy to mix, pump and had a self leveling tendency. The resultantstrengths were surprisingly similar to those from the smaller mix. Thesemixtures can be easily scaled up to a much higher production volume. Itis expected within the scope of this invention that the density could befurther controlled to achieve desired properties.

Example 5 Alternative Ultra-Light Cementitious Composition

An alternative ultra-light cementitious composition was prepared withwhite cement as provided in Table 22.

TABLE 22 % By Component Weight By Weight 1. White Portland cement 24.76500-2000 lbs meeting type V specifications (preferred 750- or within0-7% C3A at a 1750 lbs; optimum maximum; such as but not 1000 lbs)limited to AABORG Type V White Cement 2. Gypsum: (HYDROCAL ® 74.292000-3500 lbs C-Base for example) but not (preferred 2250- limited tothe same. Alpha 3250 lbs); optimum and or alpha beta blends 3000 lbswould be acceptable alternatives. C-Base preferred 3. Potassium Sulfate:as 0.24 0-30 lbs; Typical needed to modify set range 5-15 lbs; for andexpansion example 10 lbs 4. PCE: (Melflux 2641F. 0.29% 1-30 lbs;(preferred 1641F and/or 6681 5-15 lbs) for for example) example 12 lbs6. Aluminum Sulfate; to 0.07 0-30 lbs; Typical adjust set time range0-10 lbs; for example 3 lbs 7. LVR Stabilizer Premix; 0.012 0-5 lbs;preferred 0- Diutan Gum 2 lbs; for example 0.5 lbs 8. Vinapor DF 9010F0.07 0-10 lbs; preferred defoamer, but not limited 0-3 lbs; example tothe same. 3 lbs 9. Sodate Retarder but not 0.24 0-30 lbs; preferredlimited to the same. 0-20 lbs; for Set control example 10 lbs TYPICALTOTAL: 99.972 4038.5

The mixture was then mixed with water at ratios of 0.18 to 0.22 water todry blend ratio. A pourable slurry was allowed to set and was examinedfor its compressive strength and other physical properties. At thelowest consistency ranges (low water demand, 18 and 22 cc), the pourableslurry had water demands lower than theoretical or stoichiometric ofeither alpha calcium sulfate hem i-hydrate or cement or any combinationthereof. Physical properties of this mix are shown in Table 23 below.

TABLE 23 Normal Consistency (cc) 18 22   Patty Diameter (in)  3  4.25Hobart Vicat Set (min) 18 18   Wet Density (lbs/ft³) Average — 132.55 2Hour Compressive — 6500    Strengths (psi) 24 Hour Density (lbs/ft³) —127.05 24 Hour compressive — 8817    strengths (psi) Dry Density(lbs/ft³)   132.90 129.85 Dry CompressiveStrengths >14,250*    >14,250*    (lbs/ft³) Maximum Expansion (%) —  0.0585 Temperature Rise (deg ° F.) 43 deg F/9.26 39 deg F/6.0 andMaximum Rate of Rise deg F/min deg F/min (deg ° F. per min max) MonotronSurface Hardness: 290  242   Kg load for 0.1″ penetration of 10 mm ball*Cubes would not break at the maximum capacity of the strength testingunit. Testing halted at 14.250 psi.

The hardened mixture exhibited an unexpected positive expansion startingat 0.0435% in 2 hours after set to a maximum of 0.0585% and a 24 hrexpansion maintained at 0.047%. The surface hardness of the hardened mixwhen dried was unexpectedly hard and would provide for a veryserviceable and potentially self-drying, ware surface. When the mixflowability was measured with various slump cylinders the followingresults were obtained.

TABLE 24 HOBART MIXING WITH VARIOUS SLUMP CYLINDER SIZES Patty PattyNormal Diameter (in) Diameter (in) Consistency 1″ × 2″ 2″ × 4″″ (cc)SLUMP SLUMP) 22 7.13 12.88

An ultra-light formulation with less than 50% Portland cement andperlite was prepared as provided in Table 25.

TABLE 25 % By Component Weight By Weight 1. White Portland cement 67.59500-2000 lbs meeting type V specifications (preferred 750- or within0-7% C3A at a 1750 lbs; optimum maximum; such as but not 1000 lbs)limited to AABORG Type V White Cement 2. Gypsum: (HYDROCAL ® 22.532000-3500 lbs C-Base for example) but not (preferred 2250- limited tothe same. Alpha 3250 lbs); optimum and or alpha beta blends 3000 lbswould be acceptable alternatives. C-Base preferred 3. Potassium Sulfate:as 0.225 0-30 lbs; Typical needed to modify set range 5-15 lbs; for andexpansion example 10 lbs 4. PCE: (Melflux 2641F. 0.27 1-30 lbs;(preferred 1641F and/or 6681 5-15 lbs) for for example) example 12 lbs5. Aluminum Sulfate; to 0.068 0-30 lbs; Typical adjust set time range0-10 lbs; for example 3 lbs 6. LVR Stabilizer Premix; 0.011 0-5 lbs;preferred Diutan Gum 0-2 lbs; for example 0.5 lbs 7. Vinapor DF 9010F0.068 0-10 lbs; preferred defoamer, but not limited 0-3 lbs; example tothe same. 3 lbs 8. Sodate Retarder but not 0.225 0-30 lbs; preferredlimited to the same. 0-20 lbs; for Set control example 10 lbs 9.UNTREATED PERLITE 9 5-20%: preferred 7-15%; for example 400 lbs TYPICALTOTAL: 99.987 4438.5Depending on the end user needs, the percentage of perlite and otherlight weight components can be increased or decreased. When the dryformulation of Table 25 is mixed with water using the HOBART MIXERmethod on speed 2 with a 2 minute mix with the paddle, the makeup of themix and the physical properties are as follows:

TABLE 26 Dry Blend with (−6 mesh) Perlite Mixed with Water Weight WeightPercent (g) (%) DRY BLEND 4438.5 80.65 WITH UNTREATED (−6 MESH) PERLITEWater 1065 19.35 Total 5503.74 100

The physical properties of the mixture are reported in Table 27.

TABLE 27 Patty Patty 300 2 hour Diameter Diameter Gram Wet 2 Hour 24 24Hour Dry (in) (in) Vicat Density Compressive Hour compressive DryCompressive Consistency 1″ × 2″ 2″ × 4″ Set (lbs/ft³) Strengths Densitystrengths Density Strengths (cc) slump slump (min) Average (psi)(lbs/ft³) (psi) (lbs/ft³) (lbs/ft³) 24 (19.5 5.63 9.75 14 106.47 2758105.2 3617 96.77 6142 by weight percent)

With the mix design described, it was possible to successfully lower thedensity substantially while maintaining uniformity of the core of thehardened material while uniquely maintaining positive expansion almostthe same as without the light weight, pushing the gypsum crystalsfarther apart. Typically increasing the spacing between crystals wouldbe expected to reduce the expansion. No significant loss was detected inexpansion with a 2 hour rate of 0.044%, a 24 hour rate of 0.047 and amaximum rate of 0.06 percent expansion.

The ultra-low water demand, unexpectedly high strengths, and superiorflowability allow for ease of pouring without the need for drying. Thisformulation has a serviceable surface within several hours afterpouring.

When the perlite used is treated perlite at the 9% addition rate and thewater demand is adjusted to accommodate the fineness of the perlite, theresultant mix design with water is as follows:

TABLE 28 Dry Blend with Treated Perlite Mixed with Water Weight WeightPercent (g) (%) DRY BLEND WITH 4438.5 68.49 35/34 Treated Perlite Water2041.7 31.51 Total 6480.2 100

When the formula of Table 28 is mixed with water using the HOBART MIXERmethod on speed 2 with a 2 minute mix with the paddle the makeup of themix, the physical properties are as follows:

TABLE 29 Patty Patty 300 2 hour Diameter Diameter Gram Wet 2 Hour 24Hour Dry (in) (in) Vicat Density Compressive 24 Hour compressive DryCompressive Consistency 1″ × 2″ 2″ × 4″ Set (lbs/ft³) Strengths Densitystrengths Density Strengths (cc) slump slump (min) Average (psi)(lbs/ft³) (psi) (lbs/ft³) (lbs/ft³) 46 (31.51 5.5 9.69 36 71.06-71.25500-550 63.34-65.37 700-825 56.76-56.97 1375-1425 by weight percent)

The use of the treated perlite provides a mix with lighter weights whileshowing unique suspension of light weights due to the characteristics ofthe light weight treated perlite coupled with balanced water demand,unique flow aid blends and mix viscosity control. The unique positiveexpansion was maintained with the gypsum crystals being pushed furtherapart. The 2 hour expansion of 0.0495%, 24 hour of 0.053% and maximumexpansion of 0.055% were uniquely similar to the starting mix at ultralow water demand with no light weight additives in the mix.

While particular embodiments have been shown and described, it will beappreciated by those skilled in the art that changes and modificationsmay be made thereto without departing from the invention in its broaderaspects and as set forth in the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An ultra-light self-drying composition comprisingcalcium sulfate hemi-hydrate and cement, where the cement is acombination of white and gray cement at a ratio of calcium sulfatehemi-hydrate to the cement of 75% to 25% respectively, and wherein thecomposition further comprises at least one filler, wherein the fillerincludes one or more of the following: expanded coated perlite, expandeduncoated perlite, shale, borosilicate glass spheres, light weight flyash, expanded polystyrene balls, or any combination thereof.
 2. Thecomposition of claim 1, wherein the filler includes the expanded coatedperlite and/or the expanded uncoated perlite.
 3. A self-drying productcomprising the composition of claim
 1. 4. The self-drying product ofclaim 3, wherein the product is selected from the group consisting offlooring, doors, wall panels, garage door panels, wall partitionsystems, ceiling panels, gun safes and file cabinets.